Carlsbad High student charged with raping girl in school restroom

CARLSBAD >> A 17-year-old male student at Carlsbad High School faces three counts of rape after a female student said he sexually assaulted her on school grounds.

The victim, a student of Carlsbad High School, alleges the boy cornered her in a bathroom near the school's automotive shop during class on Feb. 20. The victim said he attempted to barter sex for an energy drink, and when she refused he raped her in a bathroom stall.

The automotive shop is located at the north end of campus in the Career Technologies building.

According to the criminal complaint, a second victim of the juvenile male was discovered during the investigation. The second young woman, also a CHS student, told police she was raped on two separate occasions by the young man.

Police are charging the juvenile male with three counts of criminal sexual penetration. It is unclear whether he will be charged as an adult or juvenile in the case.

Carlsbad Municipal Schools issued a statement regarding the incident:

"At this time the District is reviewing all information provided to it and is conducting its own investigation. The District, upon first learning of these allegations, immediately notified law enforcement and began taking every precaution to ensure the students were safe. The district also launched an investigation immediately upon hearing of these allegations, but ceased our investigation at the request of, and in cooperation with law enforcement. Safety of our students has been and will continue to be our top priority. We are offering every resource available to our students and their families in the form of counseling and mental health care. This (Friday) afternoon we learned that the police had completed its investigation and that a criminal complaint had been filed. We will continue taking appropriate action to ensure our schools remain safe."